Coronavirus Vaccine India updates: 10,500 people receive jab in Gujarat, around 6,000 didn't turn up, say authorities

‘When will poor get free COVID vaccine,’ asks Akhilesh Yadav

As the coronavirus vaccine was launched on Saturday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav sought to know from the government how the drive will be conducted and when the underpriviledged sections will get the shot free of cost.  

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said he has faith in doctors of the country but not the government. He also suggested that the BJP people should first line up in queues and get themselves vaccinated as the party conducts all programmes in a grand manner.

“After one year, when the SP will come to power, we will ensure free vaccine for all, he said while asking from the government when the poor will get free vaccines.

Ten students test COVID-19 positive at girls’ school in Madhya Pradesh

At least 10 girl students of a government-run school have tested positive for coronavirus infection in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district. The local administration has decided to shut the school for a week, after the infections were detected among Class 12 students.

Swab samples of 10 students from Government Girls Excellence School in Shahpur were collected for testing on 13 January, school principal Virendra Namdeo said. The reports of these students came out positive for the infection on Saturday, he said, adding that reports of 25 more students are awaited.

10,500 people receive jab in Gujarat; around 6,000 beneficiaries didn’t turn up

Day one of the COVID-19 inoculation drive went smoothly in Gujarat on Saturday with around 10,500 healthcare workers — against expected 16,000 — receiving the vaccine dose. “Reports are coming in from different centres, and it has been good everywhere, without any problem,” said Dr Nayan Jani, state immunization officer.

Over 16,000 persons were scheduled to receive the jab during the day, but some beneficiaries did not turn up, he said. The drive was conducted at 161 centres.

Health ministry says delay reported in uploading beneficiaries’ list on CoWIN in some sites

Listing issues faced by personnel on-ground regarding the Centre’s CoWIN app, Additional Health Secretary M Agnani said that in some sites, there was a delay in uploading the beneficiaries’ list on the CoWIN app.

1.65 lakh beneficiaries vaccinated across 3,351 sites today: Centre

The Health Ministry said that provisional data on Saturday evening showed that 1,65,714 beneficiaries were vaccinated at 3,351 sites across the country on the first day of the COVID-19 vaccination drive. In a press briefing, Additional Health Secretary M Agnani added that 16,755 personnel were involved in the drive.

No case of post-vaccination hospitalisation so far, says Centre after Day 1

The Union health ministry held a press conference at the end of day one of the countrywide vaccination drive and said that no case of post-vaccination hospitalisation was reported till 7 pm on Saturday.

‘Small section’ of people spreading rumours about vaccines: Harsh Vardhan

Harsh Vardhan appealed to state health ministers to dispel rumours about the vaccines.

He added, “There’s a small section that is spreading rumours about vaccines, their utility, their safety, to mislead the people in society. But such a large number of people received vaccines today with great joy and enthusiasm, eminent doctors received the vaccine.”

Harsh Vardhan speaks to states, UTs over inoculation drive

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan held a video conference with the health ministers of all states and Union territories on Saturday evening, as the first day of the vaccination drive got underway across the country.

Stating that India had hit several milestones of success in the fight against COVID-19, Vardhan said, “Today is perhaps the day of tremendous relief for all of us in the past one year. Data in last 3-4 months, our recovery and fatality rate indicate that we were gradually heading towards victory against COVID-19.”

Centre says 116 people infected with UK-variant of COVID-19 in India

The number of people who have tested positive for the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the country has climbed to 116, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday. “The total number of persons found infected with the new UK variant genome is 116,” the ministry said.

All these people have been kept in single-room isolation in designated healthcare facilities by respective state governments, the ministry earlier had said.

“Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others. Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on,” the ministry said.

COVID-19 vaccine administered at over 100 sites in Punjab, Haryana

Senior doctors and other healthcare workers were administered coronavirus vaccine at over 100 sites in Punjab and Haryana on Saturday. Authorities had earmarked 59 sites in Punjab and 77 in Haryana for the drive.

Senior doctors received the first shot of the vaccine at many locations to build confidence and dispel any apprehensions about the vaccine.  Punjab and Haryana had received 2.04 lakh and 2.41 lakh doses of the vaccine, respectively.

Sanitation worker becomes first to get COVID-19 vaccine in Ladakh

A sanitation worker was the first person to be administered the COVID-19 vaccine in Ladakh, which has recorded 128 COVID-19 deaths and a total caseload of 9,646 since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Skalzang Chodon, a safai karamchari, hailing from Skidmang village of Nyoma block, took the first jab at Heart Foundation Hospital shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the world’s biggest drive against coronavirus.

Kejriwal, Adityanath caution people against rumours, say vaccines are safe

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was among the politicians and leaders who urged people not to believe in rumours around the COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use in India. A massive vaccination drive began across the country on Saturday, and around three lakh healthcare workers were set to get the jabs.

Kejriwal visited the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital in Delhi and spoke to health workers who had received the shot. “I have interacted with those vaccinated. No one has any problem. All are happy that they will get rid of coronavirus,” he said. “I want to say to all not to pay attention to rumours and misinformation. The experts say vaccines are safe and there is no need to worry.”

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath also spoke to people who had received the vaccine and warned against believing rumours. “Today is a day of immense happiness and excitement. India is the first country which has launched two vaccines,” he said.

Doctors’ association at Delhi’s RMLH hospital says ‘apprehensive’ about COVAXIN

The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi requested the medical superintendent to vaccinate them with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine Covishield.

In a letter to the medical superintendent, the association said the resident doctors were “a bit apprehensive” about Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and might not participate in the immunisation drive in large numbers, thus defeating the purpose of the exercise which began in the country on Saturday.

“We have come to know that the COVID-19 vaccination drive is being conducted by the hospital today. Covaxin manufactured by Bharat Biotech is being preferred in our hospital over Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute.The residents are a bit apprehensive about the lack of complete trial in case of Covaxin and might not participate in huge numbers thus defeating the purpose of vaccination. We request you to vaccinate us with Covishield which has completed all stages of trial before its roll-out,” the letter stated.

Bharat Biotech to pay compensation if Covaxin causes side effects

Bharat Biotech, which has received a government purchase order for supply of 55 lakh doses of Covaxin, a COVID-19 vaccine, said the company will pay compensation to recipients in case of any serious adverse effects experienced after receiving the antidote.

A consent form to be signed by the vaccine recipients said, “In case of any adverse events or serious adverse events, you will be provided medically recognised standard of care in the government designated and authorised centres and hospitals.”

“The compensation for serious adverse event will be paid by sponsor (BBIL) in case if the SAE is proven to be causally related to the vaccine,” the form said.

Maharashtra needs 7.5 lakh more vaccine doses, says state govt

Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said the state has received 10 lakh vaccine doses, or 60 percent of the stock allotted to it, so far and the remaining doses will be available in the next 10 days.

Speaking to reporters after attending the vaccination drive in Jalna, Tope said at least 8 lakh health workers have registered for this programme, and for this, the state needs 7.5 lakh additional doses of the vaccine.

“Although the state has received 60 percent to the vaccine stock it needs, the remaining consignment will be made available in the next 10 days,” the minister said. “Maharashtra needs 17.50 lakh doses of the coronavirus vaccine, as 8 lakh health workers have registered for the programme on CoWIN application. We have received 10 lakh doses and we still need 7.5 lakh more.”

Manish Tewari, Harsh Vardhan spar over inoculation drive

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan responded to Congress leader Manish Tewari’s quote questioning why politicians and government functionaries were not getting vaccinated as per the procedure in other countries. Vardhan slammed Tewari saying that he and the Congress are “passionate about spreading rumours”.

In response, Tewari cautioned the government not to “hide behind vaccine nationalism”.

Journalists laud scientists for vaccine development but note lack of complete data from trials

While ministers of the Narendra Modi government and BJP leaders spoke in celebratory terms about the COVID-19 vaccination drive that got underway in India on Saturday, journalists and activists on Twitter noted the fact that Phase 3 trials for Bharat Biotech’s vaccine had not been completed.

The DCGI’s approval for the vaccine, COVAXIN, without complete data from the Phase 3 trials was questioned by experts, journalists, and Congress leaders. But ministers said that the vaccine, which has been developed in collaboration with the ICMR, has been made with highest safety regulations. 

Amit Shah says inoculation drive is beginning of ‘self-reliant’ India

In a series of tweets on Saturday, Union home minister Amit Shah lauded scientists and ‘COVID-19 warriors’ and said, “India is one of the few countries which has won the direction to end the biggest crisis against humanity.”

“This ‘Made in India’ vaccine represents the determination of self-reliant India. On this historic day, I bow to all our Corona warriors,” he added.

Sanitation worker gets first jab in Chandigarh

A 20-year-old sanitation worker received the first shot of the coronavirus vaccine as the inoculation drive commenced in Chandigarh on Saturday.

Arun, who works as a sweeper at the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital at Sector 16, said he was feeling good and had no worry before being administered the jab.

After administering the vaccine, the youth was kept for observations for 30 minutes to check any side effects.

“There is no anxiety, rather I am feeling good,” said Arun, who was also given a bouquet of flowers.

PTI

Vice President, Union ministers laud launch of vaccination drive

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu described the launch of the anti-coronavirus immunisation drive as a “red letter day” for the people of India and lauded scientists for developing the vaccines in a record time.

Home Minister Amit Shah took to Twitter to say the ‘‘New India’’ led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a nation which transforms crisis into opportunities and challenges into achievements.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said the entire country is proud of the stellar leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which has been instrumental in India’s famed battle against COVID-19. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad described the launch of the vaccination drive as “historic and a memorable day.”

Launch of vaccine a revolutionary step: Uddhav Thackeray

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray termed the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination drive as a “revolutionary step” and recalled efforts of health and frontline workers during the pandemic period.

Launching the vaccination drive at the COVID care centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the chief minister said the “corona warriors” had selflessly treated the COVID-19 patients when there was no remedy available. “Those days still give me shivers. The situation was really adverse and grim then. Hospitals were flooded with COVID-19 patients. How to proceed was a big question before everyone and no solution was in sight. Everyone was under pressure because of the situation,” he said.

Thackeray said it was due to efforts of health workers and corona warriors that this COVID centre now has no patient to treat. “People must continue wearing masks in public places even after receiving vaccine doses. The way COVID-19 cases have once again found in large numbers in some of the countries, we may face the similar situation.

Around 4,000 health workers will be given the vaccine doses at 40 booths in the nine vaccination centres in Mumbai on the first day of the drive. Mumbai has received 1.39 lakh doses of the Covishield vaccine.

Sweeper, nurses among first recipients of vaccine in Andhra Pradesh

A government hospital sweeper and nurses were among the first recipients of COVID-19 vaccine in Andhra Pradesh, according to PTI.

Sweeper B Pushpa Kumari and a senior staff nurse Naga Jyothy were administered the vaccine at the Government General Hospital in Vijayawada. 40-year old staff nurse Manjula of the government hospital in Prodatturu town in Kadapa district became the first person to get the vaccine.

The first phase of vaccination is being carried out at 332 locations across the state. Andhra Pradesh got 4.7 lakh doses of CoviShield and 20,000 doses of Covaxin in the first round. At each location, a team of six staff have been deployed to vaccinate 100 beneficiaries per day. Each team is supervised by a doctor.

A total of 2,324 staff would be working to vaccinate a maximum of 33,200 health care workers per day. The Health Commissioner said 3,87,983 healthcare workers were being administered the vaccination in the first phase.

Vaccination drive begins at 243 sites in Karnataka

The first phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive began at 243 sites across the state, including 10 in Bengaluru. Nagaratna K (28), a ward attendant at Victoria Hospital received the vaccine in the presence of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Health Minister K Sudhakar among others at the Bangalore Medical College.

According to the Health Department, Covishield will be administered in 237 centres and Covaxin in six centres in Bellary, Shivamogga, Hassan, Chikmagalur, Chamarajnagar and Davanegere.

A total of 7,17,439 health warriors will be vaccinated in the initial phase, officials have said, adding that the aim is to vaccinate 24,300 people on the first day itself. They also said the state got 8,14,500 doses of vaccine and the initial phase is expected to be completed within a week.

Norway warns of vaccination risks for sick patients after 23 people die

Norway said COVID-19 vaccines may be too risky for the very old and terminally ill, after 23 people died in the country a short time after receiving their first dose of the vaccine. Of those deaths, 13 autopsies suggested that common side effects may have contributed to severe reactions in frail, elderly people, according to the Norwegian Medicines Agency.

“For those with the most severe frailty, even relatively mild vaccine side effects can have serious consequences," the Norwegian Institute of Public Health said. “For those who have a very short remaining life span anyway, the benefit of the vaccine may be marginal or irrelevant."

WATCH: SII’s Adar Poonawalla takes COVID vaccine shot

Serum Institute of India chief Adar Poonawalla took a shot of the COVID-19 vaccine Covishield today as the nationwide inoculation programme was launched.

He is the chief of SII, which manufactured the Covishield vaccine in India.

Inability to choose vaccine goes against informed consent: Congress MP

Congress MP Manish Tewari pointed out that many eminent doctors have raised questions about the efficacy and safety of Covaxin. He went on to add that people will not be able to choose which vaccine to take, which goes against the doctrine of informed consent.

“If the vaccine is so safe and reliable, and the efficacy of the vaccine is beyond question, then how is it that not a single functionary of the government has stepped forward to get themselves vaccinated as it has happened in other countries around the world?” he asked.

Server down at Kolhapur vaccination centres

The servers at most Kolhapur vaccination centres went down and the staff could not access the beneficiary list, The Times of India reported.

Amarinder Singh requests free vaccine for lower income groups in letter to Modi

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging for free vaccines for the lower income groups. “Scientists and doctors have said that the vaccine is safe. Even the Queen of England has had it, she is 93-years-old, her husband who is 99-years-old has had it. There is no fear,” he further said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was at a Lucknow hospital as the vaccination drive was underway. “102 health workers would receive the vaccine at the hospital today, out of which 15 people have been given shots so far and all of them are totally fine,” he said.

Listen to experts, not rumours about vaccine: Kejriwal

While inspecting the vaccination drive underway at Delhi’s LNJP Hospital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said experts have said the vaccine against COVID-19 is safe and people should not pay heed to rumours.

He further said 8,100 people will get vaccination at 81 centres in the National Capital.

Bhutanese PM congratulates India on launch of vaccination drive

Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering congratulated his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and the people of India on the launch of the nationwide vaccination drive against COVID-19. “We hope it comes as an answer to pacify all the sufferings we have endured this pandemic,” he said.

India’s immunisation campaign probably biggest in the world, says Harsh Vardhan

ANI has quoted health minister Harsh Vardhan as saying, “This is probably the biggest immunisation campaign against COVID anywhere in the world. India has tremendous experience in handling such issues. We have already eradicated polio and smallpox.”

Hospital workers gets first vaccine dose in Goa

A hospital worker became the first person in Goa to receive the coronavirus vaccine on Saturday, health officials said.

Ranganath Bhojje, a worker at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) near here, was the first to receive the vaccine dose in the coastal state, an official said.

The vaccination drive began in the morning at seven different centres, including two private hospitals, in the state.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant were present at the GMCH when Bhojje was given the dose. Ninety nine others will also get the dose at this facility on Saturday.

PTI

Vaccination drive begins in West Bengal

The COVID-19 vaccination drive began in West Bengal on Saturday morning, with a doctor of a private hospital receiving the first shot, officials said.

Bipasha Seth is the first person who got inoculated in the state, the hospital authorities said.

“It’s a great day for humankind. I feel elated to get the first dose,” said Seth.

West Bengal’s Minister of State for Labour Nirmal Maji also received the Covishield vaccine at the Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, the officials said.

The vaccination programme started around 10.30 am at 212 session sites, including medical colleges, urban primary healthcare centres and a few private hospitals, they said.

PTI

‘Entire country is proud of PM’s leadership’, says Harsh Vardhan

The health minister posted a tweet lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in the battle against COVID-19.

Vaccination drive begins at 285 centres in Maharashtra

The COVID-19 vaccination drive began in Maharashtra on Saturday along with the rest of the country.

Dr Ranjit Mankeshwar, Dean, JJ Hospital, in Mumbai and Dr Padmaja Saraf were among the first beneficiaries to receive the vaccine shots in Mumbai and at Jalna civil hospital, respectively.

The inoculation drive is taking place at 285 centres in Maharashtra where 100 healthcare workers will be administered the shots in a day, and cover 28,500 workers, an official said.

The state has received 9.63 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine and 20,000 doses of Covaxin vaccine, which have been distributed to all the districts.

PTI

Vaccine will work as ‘sanjeevani’ against COVID: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Following the launch of a nationwide vaccination drive,health minister DR Harsh Vardhan said the vaccine will work as ‘sanjeevani’ against COVID-19.

UNICEF congratulates India on launch of vaccination drive

UNICEF congratulated the health ministry of India and health workers ahead of the launch ofthe world’s largest vaccination drive.

During the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlights India’s efforts in helping other countries during the pandemic.

“India hardships, provided medicines and medical help to over 150 countries. Whether it is paracetamol, hydroxychloroquine or testing equipment, India has made every possible effort to save people of other countries,” he said.

First dose of COVID-19 vaccine administered at AIIMS Delhi

The first dose of the coronavirus vaccine was administered to a sanitation worker at AIIMS, Delhi in the presence of Union minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.

Ahead of the vaccination drive’s launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “In the fight against corona, we’ve set an example for the world at many steps. When countries left their citizens, stuck in China amidst this pandemic, on their own, India stepped up and evacuated not only Indians but also people of other nations under Vande Bharat mission.”

Reserving first vaccines for health workers a tribute to their efforts: PM

Remembering the efforts of healthcare workers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said corona warriors remained away from their homes for days to attend to the call of duty. “By reserving the first vaccines for these people, the society is expressing its gratefulness. Our vaccination programme is driven by humanitarian concerns, those exposed to maximum risk get priority,” he further said.

Also lauding the country’s response to the outbreak, Modi said India was early to take guard against the pandemic and formed a committee to deal with it.